TR
We talk a lot about language anxiety and rightfully so. For many learners, using English in front of others feels like standing under a spotlight with nowhr to hide. As teachers, we can’t erase that fear completely, but we can decide how we respond to it. And that starts with the way we give feedback.
Be mindful of your feedback. Correct gently and slctively. Highlight what they did well before offering improvements. Try phrases like, “That was a great sentence starter,” or “Your idea was very clear. Let's work on this one word.”
Sometimes, what students need most is a supportive look, a smile, or just knowing someone is on their side. Language learning is not just cognitive; it’s deeply emotional. The more emotionaly safe they feel, the more risks they’ll take in the classroom.
In short, lowering anxiety doesn’t mean lowering expectations. It means creating a space whr students feel brave enough to meet them.
As a teacher; this perspective helped me shift from focusing on performance to prioritizing connection. I no longer feel pressured to correct everything. Instead, I ask: Will this feedback help them grow, or will it make them hesitate next time?
Even smal changes such as pausing before correcting, asking reflective questions, celebrating effort can make students feel seen. And when they feel seen, they keep going. And realy, that’s what we want most: students who keep going, even when it’s hard.